If you’re planning a ski holiday adventure but you’re not sure where to start, then this is the perfect article for you. Ski holidays are a ton of fun; they’re filled with action, adventure and the magic of being in the snow. The truth is a ski holiday can be a little bit pricey and while it’s worth the cost, there are a few small things you can do to ensure that you make the most of your ski holiday. Here are my top ski holiday tips for beginners:

1. Get Second Hand Gear

Buying ski gear can be expensive and quickly add up so one of the best ways to make your ski holiday more affordable is to invest in second-hand gear. This is especially great for younger children who grow so fast that by the time you get around to the next season, they’ll be too big for their gear. Big ticket items can be so much more affordable if you buy them used, such as skis, poles, boots, even good quality ski jackets can be pricey. If there are no good used options near you, consider finding gear that’s a season old. The truth is not much changes from year to year, maybe only the trendy jacket and pant styles. If you have an outlet mall, it can be a good place to hunt for ski gear, otherwise I tend to seek out sales at the end of the ski season before the new one comes around!

2. Consider a Catered Chalet

There are a few more details to think about when planning a ski holiday: you need to sort out all the gear, the ski passes, make sure your car is ready to head up the mountain, the food you’ll have when at your accommodation as well as while up the mountain, any special supplies for young babies or children, bringing sunscreen, not losing a pole – the list goes on and on. This is why it can be a great idea to invest in an organised ski holiday, such as a catered chalet. That way you’ll have less to think about and can really relax and enjoy the holiday you’ve worked hard to organise. There’s nothing worse than going away on vacation, but rushing around so much that you barely feel like you left home!

3. Book in Advance

Ski trips can add up quickly as there are a few more things you need to pay for such as the ski pass and accommodation. Once you’ve decided on where you’re headed, I suggest looking out for deals on ski passes. Sometimes it is more affordable to buy an annual pass than paying the daily fees, but this will depend on the ski field you’re going to, the length of your trip, and when you buy. Often the early bird prices come out four to six months in advance, meaning it’s very important to start planning ahead if you want to end up with the real savings. Likewise accommodation near popular ski fields can also sell out very far in advance, so looking months ahead will give you more options as well as helping you save money.

4. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

People often forget to pack sunscreen for a ski holiday, because after all it’s going to be cold – right? Well all that powdery white snow is the perfect recipe for sun burn because it reflects the sun onto your face, making it easy to burn. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen every morning, and reapply as instructed. Often you sweat a bit while carving up the mountain, which means that the sunscreen can wear off quickly. Another thing you really need to take care of on the mountain is your lips, they can easily get burned, chapped or cracked which can be extremely painful. Buy some lip balm that has some SPF to ensure your lips are well taken care of!

5. Think About Rest Days

It’s often unrealistic to ski every single day, especially for a ski trip that lasts for more than a few days. If you’re heading away for a week or longer, it can be wise to book in some rest or chill days. This is especially important if you’re traveling with children as they’ll often become tired and bored of the mountain. For new skiers it can be surprising how much their legs hurt after a day of skiing – especially because when you’re new to skiing you tend to be more tense and have improper form. Scheduling in a few rest days where you explore the surrounding towns and get a break from the mountain will ensure you’re ready to carve up the next day!

6. Think of the Children

If you’re traveling with young children or children who are inexperienced skiers, it can be hard for them to spend too long out on the mountain. It’s a good idea to find a field that caters to children, whether through ski school or some day care activities. While you’re going to want to spend some time with your children on the mountain, if you have different ski abilities it’s also going to be important – and fun – for you to have a bit of time to yourself to improve your skiing and learn new tricks. A catered chalet that includes childcare or a well equipped daycare centre is worth looking out for so you can enjoy the most of your holiday too!

7. Consider a Ski Lesson

If you’re new to skiing or wanting to improve your skill set, a ski lesson is a great way to learn proper techniques and correct any skills. Most bigger mountains will have two types of ski school – one that is directed at group classes, or a private small group or one on one class. Generally the one on one tutoring is a lot more expensive, but the focused attention means that you will improve in your skiing so much faster. If you’re new to skiing, I would suggest booking in at least one class whether it be group or private in order to learn new skills for handling the mountain. Starting off with the right foundations in skiing will help ensure that everything else goes so much more smoothly.

Ski holidays are a bunch of fun – there’s nothing more thrilling for a ski bunny than the rush of making lines on a white powdery morning. With a little forward planning you can save money on your ski trip, ensure that you have a relaxing vacation and be certain that your family members are going to love the trip as much as you!